John Barnes has said that Chelsea will not challenge Liverpool and Manchester City for the Premier League title next season.
The former Liverpool star has backed the Blues to finish in the top four, but he does not think that Frank Lampard’s side are strong enough to challenge the Reds or the Citizens.
Liverpool ran away with the Premier League title this past season, while City finished second, with Manchester United and Chelsea ending up third and fourth respectively in the standings.
The Daily Mail quotes Barnes as saying: “I definitely feel like Chelsea can challenge for the top four again next season, but I don’t necessarily think they can challenge Manchester City and Liverpool just yet.
“However, they will become more competitive get closer to the top two teams in the Premier League with the signings they have made.
“Signing Ziyech, Werner and potentially more is clearly a strong indication that Chelsea are there to compete next season.
“I am sure they will be in the top four again, but I don’t think they will be ready to make a move for first or second place in the league just yet.”
Active summer
Chelsea have been quite active in the summer transfer window and have made a couple of signings already.
The London club have secured the services of Hakim Ziyech – who can operate as an attacking midfielder or as a winger – from Ajax and have signed forward Timo Werner from RB Leipzig.
However, winger Pedro and Willian – who can play as an attacking midfielder or as a winger – have left on a free transfer.
Chelsea are also rated at 1/6 to sign left-back Ben Chilwell from Premier League rivals Leicester City.
Challenging for the Premier League title
Chelsea do have a very good attacking unit, but defensively they need to get better and could do with strengthening.
Liverpool and City have the strongest squads in England, but there is still time for the Blues to make more additions.
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
